hackthis_archive ([personal profile] hackthis_archive) wrote2007-01-19 11:57 am
Entry tags:

FNL - Fact is Only What You Believe (PG)

When I think of Friday Night Lights I think of my love for live Lyle Lovett songs and Whiskeytown, so it's odd that when it came time to write this I could only think of my recent obssessive nature over Jack Johnson's 'It's All Understood'. Go figure.

This is for [livejournal.com profile] musesfool, who caught me on the right day at the right time and let me babble in her LJ, and for [livejournal.com profile] antheia for all her cheerleading.

Friday Night Lights
Tim Riggins/Jason Street, Smash Williams, Lyla Garrity
Pre-series, general series spoilers

Fact is Only What You Believe





When Lyla gives him the photograph he just stares at her. "What am I supposed to do with this?" Tim asks. The paper is slick and cool between his fingers; he puts a big thumb print right over his own face.

Lyla shakes her head, glossy ponytail swaying from side-to-side. "It's a photograph, Tim," she says as though he really is that slow.

Tim's cocks his head to the side, hair falling across his eyes. "Is it now? Really? And how do these photograph-type-things work?"

Lyla laughs, bouncing on her heels as she slaps his arm playfully. Her touch brands him the way his granddad used to mark his cattle. "You're supposed to keep it. It's a memento."

"Keep it where?" Tim prods.

"Wherever you keep photographs," she says.

"I don't keep photographs," he protests as she walks away.

"Yeah, well, keep that one," she calls back over her shoulder.

Tim frowns even as he looks down at the picture in his hand. He's grinning, his head so far to the side that it's almost on Six's shoulder. He must've been completely shit-faced, he doesn't remember taking any pictures with Jason recently.


*



He's not really thinking about it when he puts up the picture of him and Street in his football locker. He just does it because it's the only place he has to put it. He's not gonna take it home, because, fuck it, it'll get lost, or he'll spill beer on it, or it'll wind up falling behind his dresser or in the trash or something. Putting the photo up in his regular locker isn't even a thought because he doesn't remember the combination to that locker anymore, which is what happens when the rally girls do all your homework.


*



Tim doesn't have photographs. He has school pictures from kindergarten through eleventh grade of a boy who was once toothless and smiling and has become increasingly more sullen -- or pissy, as Billy likes to call him.

Yeah, Billy likes to say he's full of piss and vinegar. Tim likes to pop the tab on another can of PBR and go back to watching fly-fishing on cable.

When Tim's having a shitty day at practice, or Tyra's being even more Tyra than normal, she says he's sullen and surly and all kinds of words that he has to look up when nobody's looking. He's only done this once, but he's done it. Mostly though, Tim doesn't care. Mostly Tim just cares about ball and beer and Texas and Six and getting laid as much as possible.

He's a boy, it's what boys do.


*



The photograph is up in his locker, but most days he doesn't even notice it's there. Not really. It's just this shiny, perfect image that flashes in his periphery when he's getting dressed, or when he's getting undressed, or when he's trying to find his shoulder pads and his extra pair of socks. He doesn't have to look at the photo when he's got the real thing streaking around the locker room with his towel on top of his head and yelling at the top of his lungs. Street's an idiot sometimes. It's why they get on so well.


*



"What's that you got there, Riggins?" Smash mocks, trying to look over Tim's shoulder into his locker. "That your girlfriend? 'Cause you know, she didn't look like that from the back when I was banging her last night."

Tim elbows Smash hard in the ribs. "Shut up, Williams."

"You gonna make me? 'Cause you know the Smash is down anytime anyplace to kick your punk ass."

Street's voice breaks it up like always. "When you girls've finished bitching and flirting, you wanna get out on the field and maybe play some ball? "

"Aw, hell no," Smash protests, backpedaling out of Tim's space. "Ain't no way I'm trying to bone Riggins' greasy ass."

"That's not what you said last night," Tim mocks to Smash's retreating form.

"You girls wanna take this outside?" the Coach hollers from his office.

Tim slams his locker shut just as Jason wraps an arm around his neck and yanks him along. "Stop flirting with the other girls, Riggins." Street's mouth is right by Tim's ear, his breath tickling the shell of Tim's ear. "You know how jealous I get about stuff like that."

Tim snorts and ducks out of Jason's hold. "You know I love you best," he mocks, slapping Jason on the ass playfully.

"You better," Six shoots back as they push through the locker room doors and head onto the field.


*



Tim's semi-drying his hair after practice. His head is covered by a white towel even while wet strands drip onto his shoulders. For the record, his hair isn't greasy -- it's just not washed regularly.

"So, who's this girl you got up your locker?" Street's voice penetrates the scratchy cotton confines moments before he's shouldering Tim away from the front of his locker. "You know what the coach said about those porn photos."

Tim peeks out from underneath the towel. "She's a real pretty girl," he says easily watching Jason's profile as he studies the photograph. "A little mouthy sometimes, but she's got this crazy arm. I think she's gonna be the first girl to play pro. She's gonna set me up for life -- I'll be a kept man."

Jason blinks, once, twice, and then he turns to Tim with this small smile. "You put me up in your locker."

Tim shrugs, because, well, damn. He didn't think it was that big of a deal. "Not you -- us."

Jason raises an eyebrow, but his voice drops off. "You put up our picture, huh? What're you, my girlfriend?"

Tim snorts. "Boyfriend, I prefer boyfriend."

Jason blinks and there's a moment where Tim knows something is happening. He can't explain it, but he knows it's there. It's probably been there the whole time. And then Wallingford starts hollering at Reyes about riding his ass to the Tastee Freeze, and the moment is gone.

Tim pulls his towel off his head. "Six, you gonna let me get dressed or you gonna trot me out like a prized pony?"

Street laughs it off, and Tim knows it's really over. "I dunno about a pony, maybe more like an ornery mule," Jason says, and Tim swats at him automatically.

"It's a good picture," Jason says conversationally before side-stepping over to his own locker. "You should get me a copy, too."

Tim nods, licking at dry lips. "'kay."

He freezes when he realizes that Jason's looking at his mouth. He brushes his tongue along his bottom lip just to check, and Street's eyes track his every motion.

Maybe he was wrong. Maybe it's not over after all.

Maybe they're just getting started.


-end-

[identity profile] phaballa.livejournal.com 2007-01-19 08:05 pm (UTC)(link)
This is perfect in every way. Their voices are so good. Yeah, I don't have anything more intelligent to say. I just really like this.

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2007-01-19 11:43 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm so pleased you liked it, I very much enjoyed writing it.

[identity profile] veradeath.livejournal.com 2007-01-19 08:05 pm (UTC)(link)
This was sweet and the right amount of sexy and perfect Tim voice.

*harts*

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2007-01-19 11:43 pm (UTC)(link)
I adore this show like mad, yis.

[identity profile] plumtastic.livejournal.com 2007-01-19 08:08 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh holy fucking hell. Damn Riggins, making me all flail-happy and whatnot. And the same goes for you, girl. Jeez.

Every line is perfect, from start to finish. I just wish we could've seen more of this on-screen Before, because yes.

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2007-01-19 11:45 pm (UTC)(link)
Your icon says it all, for real. And I'm so pleased you liked, I really enjoy writing FNL. It makes me v happy.

[identity profile] antheia.livejournal.com 2007-01-19 08:14 pm (UTC)(link)
Dude. DUDE. I really just love you. That was awesome.

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2007-01-19 11:46 pm (UTC)(link)
They are so made of awesome. I just *flails*

(no subject)

[identity profile] antheia.livejournal.com - 2007-01-20 02:03 (UTC) - Expand

[identity profile] devilc.livejournal.com 2007-01-19 08:51 pm (UTC)(link)
This story is so ... them ... that it makes me giddy with it.

Thank you.

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2007-01-19 11:47 pm (UTC)(link)
You are very welcome, I'm so pleased you liked it.

[identity profile] aimless-words.livejournal.com 2007-01-19 08:57 pm (UTC)(link)
"Stop flirting with the other girls, Riggins." Street's mouth is right by Tim's ear, his breath tickling the shell of Tim's ear. "You know how jealous I get about stuff like that."

man, I love this. you are just so good. ♥

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2007-01-19 11:47 pm (UTC)(link)
Aw, thank you.

[identity profile] brandil.livejournal.com 2007-01-19 09:04 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh yes. Just what I needed.

Excellent voices - particularly Smash.

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2007-01-19 11:48 pm (UTC)(link)
Thank you! Also, your icon makes me all pissy and irate, because Street said not now when Tim came over, and then they never finished their conversation, and now I'm all in limbo!

[identity profile] storydivagirl.livejournal.com 2007-01-19 09:33 pm (UTC)(link)
This was great. Oh happier times for the boys.

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2007-01-19 11:49 pm (UTC)(link)
It would be nice if we could get some of that on the show. Just saying.

[identity profile] daraq.livejournal.com 2007-01-19 10:25 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm listening to your Jack Johnson song while reading this story -- and they're both wonderful. You've made my day, chica. Gracias!

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2007-01-19 11:50 pm (UTC)(link)
You are so very welcome :)

[identity profile] torchthisnow.livejournal.com 2007-01-19 10:35 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm going to say something I never thought I would say.

But Street/Riggins has officially ousterd Ryan/Seth from first place in my heart.

This was lovely.

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2007-01-19 10:37 pm (UTC)(link)
Dude, wait until you get to the Landry/Riggins (which you know I've written). I'm telling you this show is a revolving door of AWESOMENESS! Everyone is just *sighs like thirteen y.o. fan girl and draws sparkly hearts*

(no subject)

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com - 2007-01-19 23:31 (UTC) - Expand

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[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com - 2007-01-19 23:42 (UTC) - Expand

[identity profile] pir8fancier.livejournal.com 2007-01-19 11:19 pm (UTC)(link)
Dear god, you have me hooked. Must watch this show.....

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2007-01-19 11:50 pm (UTC)(link)
It is a supremely awesome show, I haven't been this excited about telly in YEARS, and you can watch the episodes on NBC.com.
ext_1310: (tonight we'll touch god)

[identity profile] musesfool.livejournal.com 2007-01-19 11:40 pm (UTC)(link)
eeeeeeee! SO PERFECT!

*hearts*

I love that he looks the words up once, but can't be bothered to do it again.

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2007-01-19 11:52 pm (UTC)(link)
That's our Tim. Bless.

[identity profile] dirty-diana.livejournal.com 2007-01-20 12:38 am (UTC)(link)
aw! I admit a tendency to be wary of FNL fics with slashes in the headers, but this works. awesome.

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2007-01-22 06:35 pm (UTC)(link)
Don't fear the reaper slash! You know Jason & Tim are gayer than the pride parade lead by Rosie and Richard Simmons.

Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

[identity profile] askmehow.livejournal.com 2007-01-20 12:47 am (UTC)(link)
Oh my god. Glee can't even begin to describe how much I feel about this story. Tim looking up words! Love it.

"Stop flirting with the other girls, Riggins." Street's mouth is right by Tim's ear, his breath tickling the shell of Tim's ear. "You know how jealous I get about stuff like that."
So married. So very, very married. :D

Oh! and!

[identity profile] askmehow.livejournal.com 2007-01-20 12:52 am (UTC)(link)
Have you seen this (http://syndicated.livejournal.com/defamer_atom/2419097.html)? George Clooney, Barack Obama and Ari Gold Emmanuel, all in the article. I think Clinton/Obama '08 has got some competition...

Re: Oh! and!

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com - 2007-01-22 18:36 (UTC) - Expand

[identity profile] mijmeraar.livejournal.com 2007-01-20 01:18 am (UTC)(link)
I'm not familiar with the fandom, but this story is so lovely it makes me anticipate the day that it is finally aired here in Oz.

It's a good picture," Jason says conversationally before side-stepping over to his own locker. "You should get me a copy, too."

Tim nods, licking at dry lips. "'kay."

He freezes when he realizes that Jason's looking at his mouth. He brushes his tongue along his bottom lip just to check, and Street's eyes track his every motion.

Maybe he was wrong. Maybe it's not over after all.


Your talent just transcends fandoms. I'm sure that this is very true to the characters, but you write so, so well that you sell these boys even when I don't know who they are. You make them real. Great fic, thanks for sharing.


[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2007-01-22 06:39 pm (UTC)(link)
Friday Night Lights is an absolutely sensational show. I'm kind of in awe about the quality of the writing to be honest, since it's been so long since I've had a good smart show to watch. Not inluding BSG, but they're kind of all over the map this season, so I don't know. I know NBC.com doesn't allow international viewing, but I know there's also [livejournal.com profile] fnlights_eps if you feel like a sneak preview.

[identity profile] alice-and-lain.livejournal.com 2007-01-20 01:29 am (UTC)(link)
Oh. My. Heavens. This is fabulous.

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2007-01-22 06:39 pm (UTC)(link)
Thank you!

[identity profile] miss-saigon.livejournal.com 2007-01-20 01:32 am (UTC)(link)
This was just awesome, there's just so much backstory with these two that hasn't been explored yet on the show and I'm loving what your doing with that in this story.

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2007-01-22 06:41 pm (UTC)(link)
First, your icon is like whoa -- that scene made my TV steam up. Second, I agree with what you said about there being so much unexplored backstory, I keep waiting and waiting and the PTB are not helping me out here at all.

[identity profile] avid-slacker.livejournal.com 2007-01-20 02:50 am (UTC)(link)
It's undercover schmoop and I love it.

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2007-01-22 06:42 pm (UTC)(link)
Shhhh, don't tell everyone.

[identity profile] kaethe.livejournal.com 2007-01-20 03:02 am (UTC)(link)
Awesome! I like the realistic touches of dialogue and actions that all the boys show, and underneath that, there's the burgeoning tenderness and awareness growing between Jason and Tim. Very lovely!

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2007-01-22 06:43 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm so pleased you liked it, thank you for reading and commenting!
ext_139: rainbow texture with define equality as text (Shiny!)

[identity profile] wistfuljane.livejournal.com 2007-01-20 04:33 am (UTC)(link)
Wonderful dialogue - I love how Jason & Tim rib at each other and all the sly flirting.

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2007-01-22 06:43 pm (UTC)(link)
Thank you!
ext_46841: (Default)

[identity profile] 1407graymalkin.livejournal.com 2007-01-20 06:22 am (UTC)(link)
holy hats!

I think I need to molest love this piece forever. *scampers off to change her background back to that photo*

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2007-01-22 06:45 pm (UTC)(link)
Your icon made me laugh so hard I almost wheezed.

[identity profile] honey-wheeler.livejournal.com 2007-01-20 06:59 am (UTC)(link)
Jason blinks and there's a moment where Tim knows something is happening. He can't explain it, but he knows it's there. It's probably been there the whole time.

Oh god, that's just...I...argh! I swear, I leave the crappiest feedback for you because I'm just so "!!!" over all of your FNL stuff. Sorry! It makes me feel ridiculously young and, like, everything is sad and full of potential all at once.

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2007-01-22 06:46 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm just pleased that you enjoyed reading it so much, thank you :)

[identity profile] wearemany.livejournal.com 2007-01-20 07:38 am (UTC)(link)
Oh this is so perfect. I spent seriously 90 minutes the other day trying to take my screen cap, over Riggins' shoulder, looking at the photo tacked up in the locker, but I just -- I couldn't reduce it to 100x100, it was TOO BIG a statement. And it turns out that's because it was really a STORY and not an icon at all, not in a million years.

This is wonderful. Thanks for sharing it.

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2007-01-22 06:48 pm (UTC)(link)
When they played the scene I just remember staring at my TV for several minutes in complete and utter shock like 'Wait, he has their picture in HIS LOCKER?! I mean I'm not that young, but you know back in my day, boys didn't really put other boys pictures in their lockers. Like ever. Even BFF.

[identity profile] pixelarious.livejournal.com 2007-01-20 06:03 pm (UTC)(link)
::swoon::

Maybe they're just getting started.

Yeah they are.

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2007-01-22 06:48 pm (UTC)(link)
They are just like whoa.

[identity profile] romancandles.livejournal.com 2007-01-20 07:18 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh, you! How nice was it to finally figure out I can easily steal wireless and see this on my flist? I actually figured out how to use the "save page as" function for this very story. I particularly like Jason in this fic because I have an incredibly difficult time writing him myself. You do dialogue
well; it just always flows so nicely and sounds so natural.

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2007-01-22 06:49 pm (UTC)(link)
You are so very sweet, thank you, darlin'. I feel like my Jason needs some work, because he's just so damn conflicted, because his man cheated on him with his woman. I love it. Not like I love Tim/Landry or anything, but close. :)

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